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Experimental Design and Variables in Research Methods Quiz

#1

Which of the following is NOT a type of experimental design?

Correlational design
Explanation

Correlational design does not involve manipulation of variables.

#2

What is the independent variable in an experiment?

The variable that is manipulated
Explanation

The independent variable is the one manipulated to observe its effect on the dependent variable.

#3

What is the purpose of a control variable in an experiment?

To remain constant throughout the experiment
Explanation

Control variables are kept constant to isolate the effects of the independent variable.

#4

Which of the following is an example of a continuous variable?

Height
Explanation

Height is a continuous variable as it can take any value within a range.

#5

In a between-subjects design, participants are:

Only exposed to one level of the independent variable
Explanation

Participants experience only one level of the independent variable in a between-subjects design.

#6

Which of the following is a potential confounding variable in an experiment?

Extraneous variable
Explanation

An extraneous variable, if not controlled, can confound the interpretation of results.

#7

What is a factorial design in experimental research?

A design involving multiple levels of the independent variable
Explanation

Factorial designs explore the impact of multiple levels of the independent variable.

#8

What is the purpose of random assignment in experimental design?

To reduce the likelihood of participant bias
Explanation

Random assignment helps distribute participant characteristics equally, reducing bias.

#9

What is the purpose of a pilot study in experimental research?

To gather preliminary data and identify potential issues
Explanation

Pilot studies collect initial data and identify potential problems before the main study.

#10

What is a covariate in experimental research?

A variable that is related to the dependent variable but not part of the experimental manipulation
Explanation

Covariates are related to the dependent variable but not manipulated in the experiment.

#11

What is the purpose of a placebo in experimental research?

To provide a standard against which the experimental treatment can be compared
Explanation

Placebos serve as a comparison to assess the specific effects of the experimental treatment.

#12

What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?

To serve as a comparison to the experimental group
Explanation

The control group provides a baseline for comparison with the experimental group.

#13

What is the difference between a dependent variable and an outcome variable?

Dependent variables are measured to assess the effects of the independent variable, while outcome variables are specific measures of interest
Explanation

Dependent variables respond to changes in the independent variable; outcome variables are specific measures of interest.

#14

What is the purpose of blinding in experimental research?

To prevent bias in the administration of treatments or measurements
Explanation

Blinding reduces bias by keeping participants or researchers unaware of treatment assignments.

#15

What is the difference between internal validity and external validity in research?

Internal validity refers to the extent to which a study accurately represents reality, while external validity refers to the extent to which findings can be generalized to other populations or settings
Explanation

Internal validity focuses on accurate representation; external validity considers generalizability to other populations or settings.

#16

In a repeated measures design, participants:

Are exposed to all levels of the independent variable
Explanation

Participants experience all levels of the independent variable in a repeated measures design.

#17

What is the difference between a main effect and an interaction effect in factorial designs?

Main effects represent the combined influence of all independent variables, while interaction effects represent the joint influence of two or more independent variables
Explanation

Main effects summarize the impact of individual variables; interaction effects consider the combined influence of multiple variables.

#18

What is counterbalancing in experimental design?

A procedure used to ensure that the order of conditions is the same for all participants
Explanation

Counterbalancing ensures consistent ordering of conditions across participants.

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